What would you do? Really NEED help with old debt/collection agency

What would you do? Really NEED help with old debt/collection agency

Hello! I got a letter in the mail today from Frontline Asset Strategies stating that this debt was turned over to them for collection. They claim that the was debt was charged off in 2007 and they claim that a judgment was entered against me in 2009. Well, I have NEVER been served with any lawsuit and I searched my county records and there is no record of a suit. This debt/ judgment has never reported on my credit. It really makes me wonder if this is some sort of scam. What should I do? Should I send them a letter or should I just ignore it?

Re: What would you do? Really NEED help with old debt/collection agency

The first thing you want to do is a little research to find out if they really have an outstanding judgment. Per the FDCPA if you write to them requesting a copy of the judgment they are required to supply you with a copy. If they don't send you one (because they lied) then you can sue them for an FDCPA violation in misrepresenting the legal status of the debt. You'll get an easy couple thousand in a settlement from them for a small investment of a filing fee (or many attorneys will file the suit for you at no up front cost...the FDCPA required the agency to pay your "reasonable attorney fees" if the are in violation).

If they do however send you a copy of a judgment, that changes things as in many states they have 10-20 years to execute on a judgment and can renew the judgment as well. In that case, you may want to explore settling with them...depending on where you live there could be any number of remedies available to them in executing on a judgement....and a cease and desist letter does not require them to cease execyon a judgment, only to cease communication with you with the exception of legal process. Given the age of the alleged judgment I would imagine you could negotiate a settlement for a very small percentage (maybe 20-30%) if you can sell the idea that you're in reduced circumstances which aren't likely to change and better they take that than get nothing at all.

Re: What would you do? Really NEED help with old debt/collection agency

Thank you so much for your replies. I have done my research and there is no judgement in either of the two counties I have ever lived in during my adult life. Moreover, I don't recognize the debt at all and it's in my maiden name which I haven't used in 12+ years.

I live in GA and from what I understand the sol is 7 years for a judgement which can be renewed after the 7 year mark but before the 10 year mark. Since there is no record of a judgment with the court, what are the chances they will go away if I send them a letter? Likewise, what if I do nothing?

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION: All FICO® Score products made available on myFICO.com include a FICO® Score 8, along with additional FICO® Score versions. Your lender or insurer may use a different FICO® Score than the versions you receive from myFICO, or another type of credit score altogether. Learn more

FICO, myFICO, Score Watch, The score lenders use, and The Score That Matters are trademarks or registered trademarks of Fair Isaac Corporation. Equifax Credit Report is a trademark of Equifax, Inc. and its affiliated companies. Many factors affect your FICO Score and the interest rates you may receive. Fair Isaac is not a credit repair organization as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. Fair Isaac does not provide "credit repair" services or advice or assistance regarding "rebuilding" or "improving" your credit record, credit history or credit rating. FTC's website on credit.